Mt. Mayon, located at Legazpi in Albay of the Bicol region, is without a doubt a sight to behold. Often referred to by the locals as ‘Bulkang Magayon’ meaning ‘beautiful volcano’. Mayon, towering at a height of 2462 meters above sea level, is a top tourist draw in the Philippines. However, along with being known as a natural beauty, the mountain remains as one of the most active of the country’s 24 known volcanoes. 

With its awe-inspiring picturesque symmetry, the volcano has had a long history of fatal eruptions, the most recent one in 2018 which saw the displacement of over 88,000 people. 

On 5 June, the state volcanologists i.e. the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the status of Mayon to Alert Level 2, on a five-step warning system. This implies that there is ‘increasing unrest that could eventually lead to phreatic eruptions or even precede hazardous Magmatic eruption’. 

In light of the same, the Civil Aviation Authority also issued a notice barring pilots from flying 10,000 feet from the surface of Mayon. Later on, the volcano’s activity was raised to Alert Level 3 on 8 June, signalling the possibility of a hazardous eruption in the near future.

There is no denying the fact that the Philippines is regarded as one of the most disaster-prone country in the world. With over 20 typhoons and storms lashing the Southeast Asian nation almost on an annual basis and the 24 active volcanoes wrestling with frequent earthquakes, the change in the status of Mayon hardly comes as a surprise. 

However, what is concerning at this time is the growing restiveness of Mayon. While the volcano continues to discharge lava and spew rocks ‘in a quiet manner’ since 11 June, according to Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol, these low-level eruptions are signs that Mayon diffusive eruption will take months before calming down. In simpler words, there is a high possibility of an explosive eruption in the coming weeks or even days. 

The spike in the volcanic activity yet again prompted evacuation of residents (over 41,483), livestock animals (around 1,107), and also led to a state of calamity being declared in 18 cities and municipalities in Bicol region. 

In the most severely affected area i.e. Albay, the ones suffering the most are the poor farming communities. This is considering that the permanent danger zone around Mayon, which is supposed to be off-limits to people, has become a popular site of farming villages. Although President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself flew to the north-eastern province to reassure the villagers, the distribution of food packs, drinking water and other government-provided aid can only do much. 

As of 27 June, 107 volcanic earthquakes have been detected by Phivolcs, in addition to this, the moderate emission of plumes also grew from 100 meters on 26 June to 750 meters on 27 June. This is highly indicative of a relatively high-level unrest as magma is already at the crater. 

Authorities predict that this unrest could go on for as long as three months, or more, without prompting a violent and life-threatening explosion. It is however, imperative that people in the Albay region do not let their guards down. 

In order to stay on top of things and prepare for a similar calamity-like situation, the Phivolcs are currently closely monitoring the Taal Volcano in the Batangas and the Kanlaon Volcano in the Negros for any restiveness that could result in the rise of Alert Levels and prompt evacuations. 

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